City of Newcastle has been forced to close Wallsend Library today in the wake of heightened violence and threatening attacks towards staff and the general public.
Police have been called repeatedly during the past week following increased anti-social behaviour at the library, which has seen staff attacked with items, a security guard spat on, youths carrying knives in the street and people forcing their way into the building.
Incidents of vandalism including graffiti, glass smashed on the front steps, ramp and in the overnight return chute and the signage outside the library being damaged have also been reported to the police.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the safety of staff and the community was of the upmost importance.
"It is unacceptable that the behaviour of a small number of people is putting people at risk," Mr Bath said.
"In the wake of a week-long campaign of increased anti-social behaviour we have made a decision to close our library today for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public.
"We've been working with the Police, who have been incredibly responsive in this matter, but it's clear that more needs to be done in Wallsend.
"The solution is not police permanently stationed at the library or on every street corner.
"Wallsend is an amazing community but that can't prevent us from acknowledging that there is a safety problem that needs to be addressed.
"We're calling for the support of all those in our community including local Members, community leaders, teachers and parents, to initiate conversations with younger people about how to behave in public.
"Library staff are being threatened on an almost daily basis. With school holidays around the corner, our staff are rightly concerned about not only their safety but also that of people attending the library."
City of Newcastle had previously changed the way people enter Wallsend Library in response to the anti-social issues, with visitors having to scan their library cards to gain entry to the building on weekday afternoons after 3pm.
A security guard has also been employed by City of Newcastle for the past 12 months to patrol the site.
Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird said libraries have always been a valuable resource for our community, offering a safe and welcoming space that provides opportunities for social connection, education and recreation.
"While the vast majority of visitors use the library respectfully, it's disappointing that the troubling actions of a few within the community have necessitated this action to be taken," Ms Baird said.
"We appreciate the support and patience of our library members at this time."
